If you’re nostalgic for the GameCube controller, the absence of Shaolin Monks stings. The C-stick would have been perfect for dodging, and the octagonal gate on the left stick would have made special moves (fireballs, teleports) feel closer to the arcade fighters.
But in reality, the PS2 and Xbox versions are superior anyway. They run at higher resolutions (480p via component cables on Xbox), have smoother framerates in co-op, and are incredibly easy to emulate or play on original hardware today.
While not essential, the Xbox and PS2 versions had no online co-op, so that wasn't the issue. However, the GameCube’s lack of a standard hard drive or robust online service made any potential post-launch patch or DLC (rare at the time) impossible. Midway may have simply viewed the GameCube as a technical dead end.
Released in September 2005 for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox, Shaolin Monks was a radical departure. Developed by Midway (under the guidance of series co-creator Ed Boon), it was not a fighting game. Instead, it was a co-op action-adventure beat ‘em up in the vein of God of War or The Warriors.
The story retconned the events of Mortal Kombat II: Players controlled either Liu Kang or Kung Lao as they fought through the Living Forest, the Portal, and the Wu Shi Academy to defeat Shang Tsung and Shao Kahn. The game featured:
Critics praised it. Fans adored it. It remains one of the highest-rated Mortal Kombat spin-offs of all time. So why can’t you play it on a GameCube?
Here is the heartbreaking truth for Nintendo fans: Shaolin Monks on GameCube has no exclusive characters or modes. mortal kombat shaolin monks gamecube
The PS2 version had a secret playable character (Johnny Cage via a cheat code). The Xbox version ran in 720p. The GameCube version? It offers Progressive Scan mode (480p) if you have the component cables, but no extra fatalities or unlockables unique to the platform.
What it does offer is GameCube-exclusive controller rumble patterns. When you perform a Fatality (like Liu Kang’s Arcade Drop or Kung Lao’s Razor’s Edge), the rumble motor in the controller pulses rhythmically with the impact of each bone snap. It is oddly satisfying in a way the standard PS2 vibration isn’t.
If you are interested in the game itself, here are the standout features that made it one of the most beloved MK spin-offs:
The GameCube was a technically powerful machine—often more capable than the PS2 in terms of texture filtering and anti-aliasing. Shaolin Monks on GameCube runs at a stable 30 frames per second (with dips during heavy co-op explosions). The colors pop more vibrantly on the Cube than the grittier PS2 version. Character models, especially the monks’ flowing robes, look crisp.
However, the trade-off is environmental detail. The GameCube’s mini-disc format (1.5GB) forced Midway to compress some background textures and pre-rendered cutscenes. While you won't notice in the heat of combat, side-by-side comparisons show the Xbox version remains king of visual fidelity.
Had the game been released on the GameCube (as was likely planned during early development), it likely would have included: If you’re nostalgic for the GameCube controller, the
Summary: While you cannot buy this game for the GameCube, it is backward compatible on most original Xbox 360s and PS3s, or playable via emulation on PC if you want to experience these features.
While Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks is a celebrated entry in the franchise, it was never actually released for the Nintendo GameCube . It was exclusively developed for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox , launching in September 2005. Platform & Availability Report Official Platforms: Released on PlayStation 2 and .
GameCube Status: Despite rumors and similar titles like Mortal Kombat: Deception being ported to the GameCube, Midway never brought Shaolin Monks to the system. Purchasing Today : You can find original copies for PlayStation 2 and Xbox on resale platforms like eBay. Game Overview
Genre: An action-adventure "beat 'em up" that departs from the traditional 1v1 fighting style. Protagonists: Players control Liu Kang or Kung Lao.
Storyline: A retelling of the events from Mortal Kombat II, following the Shaolin monks as they travel to Outworld to thwart Shang Tsung. Key Features:
Ko-op Mode: A standout feature allowing two players to fight through the campaign together. Critics praised it
Kombat Mechanics: Includes free-running movement, environmental fatalities, and "Multalities".
Unlockables: Players can unlock Scorpion and Sub-Zero as playable characters, along with an "arcade perfect" version of Mortal Kombat II. Critical & Commercial Success
Sales: The game was a commercial hit, selling over one million copies. Reception: Critics from IGN and GameSpot
praised it for successfully translating the Mortal Kombat feel into an adventure format. It holds average scores of 79% ( PS2 ) and 80% (Xbox) on GameRankings. Canceled Sequel: "Fire & Ice"
Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks is an action-adventure beat ’em up developed by Midway Los Angeles and published by Midway Games. Released in 2005 for PlayStation 2 and Xbox, it arrived slightly later on the Nintendo GameCube (November 2005 in North America, February 2006 in Europe). Unlike traditional Mortal Kombat fighting games, Shaolin Monks is a full co-op action brawler set during the events of Mortal Kombat II.